Here's Why You Need Sun Protection All Year Long

Practicing safe sun year-round can really do wonders for your skin

You're pretty diligent with your sunscreen application during the summer months. After all, June-August, you've got beach trips, picnics and sunshine-filled vacations taking up all of your time. But just because it's not as hot and sunny the rest of the year, doesn't mean you should totally abandon your SPF habits.

In fact, sunscreen should be a staple in your skin care routine no matter what time of year it is. "Although most people know you should layer on sunscreen before hitting the beach in the summer, it is important to use it during every season," says Sonia Batra, MD, Santa Monica-based dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors. "In the colder, cloudier winter months, the sun's radiation can still be damaging even if you don't see its rays."

Here, learn more about why you should wear sunscreen even in the dead of winter. Plus, get easy tips from dermatologists for applying SPF year-round, even when you have limited time to spare.